Courses 2009 - 2010

LAW B 556 Islamic Law

Credits: 2-5, Max 5

Introduction to the history and basic concepts of traditional Islamic law, followed by an account of the reasons why Muslims during the 19th and 20th centuries began to question some (but not all) of the traditional assumptions about how they should look for God’s law. The course will finish discuss some of the new understandings of common law (some progressive and liberal, some reactionary and anti-liberal) that are today competing for the hearts and minds of Muslims who want their law to be "Islamic." It will conclude with discussions of the role that something called "Islamic law" plays in the legal system of several contemporary, Muslim majority states. Students will learn how to critically analyse the discussions about "Islamic law" among legislators, judges and other authorities who administer the legal system and by citizens subject to "Islamic law".